South Auckland shoplifter arrested for stealing 241 Whittaker’s chocolate bars from supermarket

“Fortunately, security personnel on site were able to lock up the cart the offender was attempting to drag before it tipped over, and all items were recovered before he could get too far away,” Riddle said.

Police found the alleged offender earlier this week at a home on Duke St. in Papakura.

The 37-year-old man was remanded in custody and will appear again in the Papakura District Court on Monday on charges of multiple burglary and shoplifting.

Riddle said the arrest was an “excellent outcome.”

“Police will continue to address the high number of crimes committed against retail businesses in our communities.

“This is another great example of how the community can help us report suspicious and illegal behavior.”

Yesterday, police also arrested a 26-year-old woman on suspicion of stealing goods worth more than $21,000 from various Auckland supermarkets.

She was due to appear in the Manukau District Court today where she has been charged with 20 counts of shoplifting.

Riddle is appealing to everyone to report incidents of offences as they happen by calling 111, or 105 afterwards.

You can also report online by visiting the Crimestoppers website, or anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter covering breaking news. He has worked for Herald from 2022.